Apple Unveils the Apple Watch SE 3: A Budget-Friendly Smartwatch with Impressive Features
On September 9, Apple hosted its much-anticipated Awe Dropping event, introducing a trio of new Apple Watches alongside four new iPhones and the upgraded AirPods Pro. The newly announced wearables represent a complete refresh of Apple’s smartwatch lineup, particularly focusing on the Apple Watch SE 3.
Among these, the Apple Watch SE 3 stands out as a fantastic option for users seeking fundamental smartwatch features without the hefty price tag. Priced from $249 / £219 / AU$399, it serves as an excellent entry point for those looking to integrate a smartwatch into their lives.
Design and Build: Familiar Yet Functional
The design of the Apple Watch SE 3 remains largely unchanged from its predecessor, the SE 2. Available in 40mm and 44mm sizes, it comes in stylish Starlight and Midnight finishes. The watch maintains a recycled aluminum chassis with a composite back, showcasing a full sensor stack on the rear—in line with Apple’s commitment to sustainability.
(Image credit: Future)
Specifications Overview
Component | Apple Watch SE 3 |
Price | From $249 / £219 / AU$399 |
Dimensions | 40 x 34 x 10.7mm (40mm), 44 x 38 x 10.7mm (44mm) |
Weight | 26g (40mm) or 32.9g (44mm) |
Case/Bezel | Aluminum |
Display | Always-On Retina LTPO display with OLED, Ion-X scratch-resistant. |
GPS | L1 GPS, GNSS, Galileo, and BeiDou |
Battery Life | 18 hours of battery life or 36 hours in Low Power mode |
Connection | Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi, LTE 4G (Optional) |
Water Resistance | WR50 and IP7X |
Notable Features and Enhancements
One substantial upgrade in the SE 3 is the introduction of an always-on display. Unlike previous models that turned off when not in use, this new feature allows users to effortlessly glance at the watch face and check the time or notifications. This simple yet effective enhancement significantly improves user experience.
Under the hood, the SE 3 is powered by the same S10 processor found in the higher-end Series 11 and Ultra 3. Users will appreciate the speed and responsiveness this chip lends to the operating system. Additionally, with the upgrade to a 5G modem, the SE 3 promises improved connectivity and faster data transfers.
Health tracking remains a hallmark of Apple Watches, and the SE 3 does not disappoint. It includes features like heart rate monitoring, skin temperature sensing, sleep tracking with Sleep Score functionality, and even retrospective ovulation estimates. However, the SE 3 does lack hypertension monitoring, a feature found in the Series 11 and Ultra 3. Nevertheless, the suite of health features included in the SE 3 makes it a robust choice for health-conscious consumers.
(Image credit: Future)
Conclusion: A Smart Choice for Most Users
In conclusion, the Apple Watch SE 3 encapsulates Apple’s commitment to delivering a feature-rich smartwatch at an affordable price. While it may not boast the advanced features of the Series 11 or the Ultra 3, it does offer a commendable balance of functionality and affordability. Apple has retained the launch price of the SE 3, making it an even more appealing option compared to its predecessor.
For those interested in a solid entry-level smartwatch that offers most of the major features users desire, the Apple Watch SE 3 is worth considering. We look forward to sharing more insights once we have conducted a full review. For more information on this latest offering, click Here.
Image Credit: www.techradar.com
